Exhale Bionic Chandelier by Julian Melchiorri

As the V&A’s first Engineer in Residence, Julian Melchiorri was interested in exploring how the latest advances in biotechnology and engineering could be applied to everyday objects to improve the quality of our lives. Taking inspiration from the Museum’s Art Nouveau and Islamic art collections, Melchiorri created Exhale, the world’s first bionic chandelier, which now sits in the new Members’ Reception of the V&A. Formed of modular leaves containing microorganisms, this living and breathing chandelier removes carbon dioxide from the air and releases oxygen. 

Julian Melchiorri was the Exhibition Road Engineering Resident at the V&A between April 2016 and July 2017. His residency was supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.